The ability to work from home is a great benefit of being an entrepreneur, but many feel that it may seem unprofessional while speaking with clients or on a business call. A very common experience while on the phone with any other person while at home is the occasional buzzer call from the dryer, the sounds of children playing a room over, or the barking of the family dog at some truly innocuous perceived threat as it tries to save the day. However, if these things should happen while on an important business related call, it can spell for a very embarrassing situation.
While many associate working from home with complete relaxation and a freedom to conduct business wherever, however, and whenever a person may see fit, this method can come along with some very unique stresses. Many home based entrepreneurs worry that investors, customers, or clients may not take them seriously as a professional should house noise interfere with their communications in any way, but this is not necessarily the case. Working in a home based business has been rising in popularity in recent years, and many professionals are beginning to not look so harshly on any day to day distractions that may occur.
Some clients and investors have found that they actually appreciate the flexibility that is allowed with those working in a home office, as they are not limited to business or office hours. The lack of complication involved with working from home allows these types of professionals to take more risks, work more quickly, and change their pace as their tasks call for it. Where a professional working in an office may be limited to 9am to 5pm business hours, a home based professional can take advantage of working at times that are best for them and whomever they may be doing business with.
The key to finding success while working from home is to simply be honest, as honesty is the best policy when working with clients, co-workers, employees, or investors. Some may feel that working in a home based business has a stigma of unprofessionalism, but the modern state of business is proving that this is not so. Knowing who you are speaking to, and your audience at the time, is key to making sure that all home based business interactions are appropriate, and the casual environment may not be so frowned upon after all!